2008 Audi A3 Review

What the reviewers like:
The compact 2008 Audi A3 packs enough seating and cargo space for a family, reviewers say, along with the high-level safety and refined interior typical of costlier A-series Audi wagons. Testers say its zippy base 200-hp engine is so fun to drive, it makes even commuting a pleasure.

What the reviewers don't like:
The Audi A3 is still pretty expensive for a small wagon, some reviewers say, and its 21 mpg mixed fuel efficiency isn't the best in its class – especially considering the A3 specifies premium gas. All-wheel-drive is an extra-cost option, unlike the Subaru Outback, and one review concludes the interior isn't roomy enough for five people and their luggage.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 18 to 22 mpg city, 25 to 29 mpg highway, depending on engine, transmission and all-wheel-drive

2008 Audi A3 review highlights

The 2008 Audi A3 – a smaller, less expensive alternative to Audi's premium wagons – gets far more nods from reviewers than Volvo's similar foray into the midpriced market, the Volvo V50 (*est. $26,815 to $31,565). In fact, critics pick the Audi A3 nearly as often as the most-recommended midpriced wagons, the larger Dodge Magnum (*est. $23,420 to $37,905) and the sportier Subaru Outback (*est. $21,995 to $32,195). The Audi A3 gets better safety ratings than any of those three wagons, but it has the least cargo space of the three. Both the Dodge Magnum and Subaru Outback are just as fuel-efficient as the Audi A3, reviewers note, and the Volvo V50's fuel efficiency is even better. But testers can't get over how fun the 2008 Audi A3 is to drive -- more like a car-lover's car than the safety-first family wagon it is. The A3's fun factor pushes it ahead of the more slow-and-steady Volvo V50 in reviews.

We found useful reviews comparing the 2008 Audi A3 against other station wagons at Consumer Reports, ConsumerGuide.com and About.com. Reviews at the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are also comparative and very helpful, ranking the best and worst cars based on crash-test results. Although not a direct comparative ranking, the Institute for Consumer Automotive Research's review of the 2008 Audi A3 station wagon touches on how it stacks up against competitors. The Washington Post offers a thorough road-test and critique of the Audi A3, as well.

Also see full report: Station Wagons

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
>> Details/Subscribe
2008 Audi A3 review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports road-tests most new cars, including the 2008 Audi A3 station wagon. This review also provides detailed specifications and measurements. Editors include a predicted reliability score for the A3, based on reader surveys, but you must be a subscriber to read this report.

2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Top Safety Picks 2008
Editors of IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit organization focused on minimizing injuries, property damage and other losses due to vehicular accidents. The Audi A3 is judged one of its Top Safety Picks for 2008, with good performance in front, side and rear crash tests.

3. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Audi A3 Full Review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Dec. 13, 2007

The Audi A3 earns a "recommended" designation from ConsumerGuide.com, but it is not included as a "best buy." Testers say the A3 station wagon handles well and is built from the same quality materials as costlier Audi wagons, but they criticize its rear seat room and dislike the complicated control knob for the stereo and navigation systems.

4. About.com
Top 10 Small Cars You Can Live With
Aaron Gold

About.com's Guide to Cars, Aaron Gold, includes the Audi A3 in his "Top 10 Small Cars You Can Live With" list. The list links to Gold's full review of the A3, in which he praises the Audi wagon for being fun to drive and different-looking from other Audis, although expensive. (Note that ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but is not related editorially.)

5. IFCAR.net
Audi A3 review
Editors of IFCAR.net

Editors at IFCAR, the Institute for Consumer Automotive Research, award the Audi A3 "recommended" status. Hands-on testers here like almost everything about the A3, except its price tag.

6. The Washington Post
>> Details/Subscribe
It Runs on Cachet and Makes You Pay for It
Warren Brown
Aug. 19, 2007

Warren Brown, The Washington Post's car reviewer, bucks the Audi A3 lovefest. He asserts it barely has space for five, not to mention their luggage, and it sucks gas and is expensive.

Also see full report: Station Wagons